First COPFS Case Highlights Workplace Safety Breaches

The first case to go to court by way of trial since the launch of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) Health and Safety Division has been concluded.

Robertson Construction Central Ltd and Stirling Stone Ltd were convicted of safety breaches in relation to an incident at a Glasgow construction site in April 2007, when a labourer suffered serious injuries and died following a fall from height.

James Kelly, who was employed by Stirling Stone Ltd, was working on the third level of a loading tower on the independent access scaffolding when the incident took place, with an investigation suggesting a safe system of work was not in use.

Commenting on the case, Elaine Russell, an accident at work specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Glasgow office, said: “As this incident highlights, falls from height can have a devastating impact on victims, leading to both serious and fatal injuries.

“Because of this, it is vital that all firms take every possible step to ensure workers are protected from such incidents and are able to carry out their duties in the safest possible manner.

“We regularly represent people who have suffered life-changing injuries at work and have repeatedly called for improvements to safety standards that will go some way to preventing further incidents from occurring.”